Influenza News and Research

Latest Influenza News and Research

QTQTN motif upstream of furin-cleavage site in SARS-CoV-2 infection and pathogenesis

A new study posted to the bioRxiv* preprint server aimed to demonstrate whether the loss of the QTQTN motif attenuates SARS-CoV-2 replication in respiratory cells in vitro and pathogenesis in hamsters.

20 Dec 2021

Lung memory B-cells provide primary protection against SARS-CoV-2 reinfection

Researchers study influenza and SARS-CoV-2 infection models to identify lung memory B cells during viral infection.

20 Dec 2021

Genomic study of furin cleavage sites validates the natural evolutionary origin of SARS-CoV-2 in bats

A team of researchers describes the genomic region encompassing the furin cleavage site in SARS-CoV-2.

20 Dec 2021

Reduced antibody-mediated neutralization by the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

Researchers discuss the sensitivity of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant towards various monoclonal antibodies.

20 Dec 2021

The vaccine rollout was a success. But events within and beyond Biden’s control stymied progress.

Eleven months ago, President Joe Biden assumed office during one of the most critical moments of the covid-19 pandemic. Case counts and death rates were shockingly high.

20 Dec 2021

Echinacea purpurea may help prevent respiratory tract infections during COVID-19 pandemic

A new study describes the results of using an extract of the medicinal plant Echinacea purpurea to treat non-severe cases of COVID-19.

19 Dec 2021

R-Biopharm receives approval of COVID-19 test in the UK under CTDA legislation

R-Biopharm announces that the company’s RIDA®GENE Flu & SARS-CoV-2 multiplex test (PG6825) has been approved in the UK under the UK Health Security Agency’s Medical Devices (Coronavirus Test Device Approvals) Regulations 2021 (“CTDA”).

17 Dec 2021

Exploring the possibility of developing a plant-based oral vaccine against COVID-19

New research optimizes methods for the in-planta expression of the recombinant protein corresponding to the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) subunit of the surface-exposed Spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2.

15 Dec 2021

Effectiveness of inactivating SARS-CoV-2 by spraying disinfectant in the form of Dry Fog

A new study investigates the use of aerosolized hypochlorous acid solution and hydrogen peroxide solution for inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus adhering to an environmental surface.

15 Dec 2021

Nanotrap particles can improve current sequencing workflows of SARS-CoV-2

New research uses an affinity-based magnetic hydrogel particle enrichment technology (Nanotrap particle enrichment technology) that can concentrate viral particles, leading to improved detection of many viral agents including SARS-CoV-2

14 Dec 2021

Severity of SARS-CoV-2 compared to other human coronaviruses in children

Researchers observed that symptom presentation of SARS-CoV-2 infections at the community level was very similar to that of endemic human coronavirus infections.

14 Dec 2021

SARS-CoV-2 transmission through indoor aerosols

A recent review published in the International Journal of Indoor Environment and Health presents the science behind the person-to-person transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in an indoor environment.

14 Dec 2021

Omicron variant may strike double vaccinated

Largely, scientists are skeptical that the Omicron variant can infect vaccinated individuals. However, a new study published on the medRxiv* preprint server has conducted neutralization assays using an Omicron isolate obtained from patients residing in the United Kingdom.

13 Dec 2021